Calls to Strengthen Rules on Incendiary Weapons Amid Concerns Over White Phosphorus Use
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White phosphorus is a chemical substance with incendiary properties that has raised ethical and legal concerns regarding its use in densely populated areas.
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Protocol III of the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW) places some restrictions on the use of incendiary weapons like white phosphorus, but has faced criticism for loopholes.
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Organizations like Human Rights Watch advocate for a total ban on incendiary weapons including white phosphorus to prevent indiscriminate harm.
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Recent instances of alleged white phosphorus use include Syria, Israel in Gaza, Iraq, Yemen, and Nagorno-Karabakh.
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Ongoing discussions and international cooperation are needed to strengthen regulations protecting civilians from incendiary weapons like white phosphorus.